FLOW
Centre for Holistic Experience
Studio Zhai Limited (2020)
Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station, HKSAR
Tai Tam Tuk is like a Chinese scroll on the landscape. The precinct, stretching 230 metres horizontally, comprises several historic buildings dancing on different elevations, providing opportunities for a rich and diverse human experience moving through the site's natural elements and scenery. This proposal opens up the once restricted area to the general public, transforming it into a real treasure for the people. Visitors, trainers, and participants will engage in various activities utilising the diverse landscapes and buildings to advance everyone's understanding of heritage, human experience, and mindfulness: we called it "FLOW - Centre for Holistic Experience".
The Water Mirror Plaza
The massive Pumping Station will become the backdrop for the revamped public central plaza, equipped with a ‘rising tide’ artwork, filling the plaza with a thin layer of water on special occasions. The pumping of the water feature throughout the site resembles the original functionality of the Pumping Station. Part of the central plaza is further excavated into a garden to reveal the relics for exhibition purposes. The carefully articulated park provides a delightful tropical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy under the shades of the reserved palm trees.
The Main Centre – Nature Converter
The single-storey 2-part structure, conceived as a giant cloud over a transparent glass box, provides an arrival space with exhibitions, an info centre, a cafe and a refreshment counter, or simply a hangout area for nature lovers. The sizeable multifunction room utilises the existing concrete, turning it into a 100-person space for various functions, constantly reminding us of the historic elements surrounding us. The giant roof resembles the amorphous nature of a cloud, carefully manipulated to divert rainwater, facilitate wind flow and air circulation, filter excessive sunlight, and simultaneously regulate the microclimate in the building to conserve energy. The changing transparency along the whole roof provides an ephemeral spatial quality according to the functions contained within - there is not a single space that is the same as the others at any given point in time: history and nature are a continuum.
The Spirit
The building connects an existing staircase and a new elevator to a path with indigenous plants. Library and Music Therapy rooms are located within to rejuvenate our senses and reconnect us with nature.
The Camp
Accommodation is located on the ground floor, and workshops are on the second, connected by a newly installed scenic ramp doubling as a viewing platform. The upper floor includes yoga classes, group activities, and other functions.
The Healing
Upon a hill away from the bustling central plaza, the seclusion provides a perfect location for therapy programs with intimacy. Residences are provided in a historical context.